Touch and force sensitive rocker switch

ABSTRACT

A touch and force sensitive rocker switch or button array for a portable electronic device can include multiple dome switches or force sensors, as well as a capacitive sensing surface that can detect finger location and swipes. A cosmetic surface can cover the entire elongated switch/button and portions of device housing proximate the button, and can be configured to transfer each of multiple types of input there through to the button and also provide a seal to the device housing interior. The cosmetic surface can be a flexible polymer to allow local deformation, and/or the entire surface can tilt or bend to permit inputs to transfer there through. The elongated button/switch can be raised from a surface of the device, and can be located along a side of the device, with a front face of the device being a touchscreen, such as for a smart phone or watch.

FIELD

The described embodiments relate generally to consumer electronicdevices. More particularly, the described embodiments relate to inputcomponents that are used in conjunction with consumer electronicdevices.

BACKGROUND

Input components that are used in conjunction with consumer electronicdevices are known. Various electronic devices can include visualdisplays having touch screens that include sensors designed to receivetouches, gestures, and other inputs in response to touches to thedisplay. Such electronic devices can also have one or more buttons,dials, touch surfaces, data ports, and other input components. Often thedesire for various types of input results in multiple different inputcomponents, which can be cumbersome or more complex in some cases. Whileelectronic devices having multiple different input components have thusworked well in the past, there can be room for improvement. Accordingly,there is a need for electronic devices having improved types of inputcomponents.

SUMMARY

Representative embodiments set forth herein disclose various structures,methods, and features for the disclosed input components. In particular,the disclosed embodiments set forth touch and force sensitive rockerswitches and similar multiple type input buttons.

In some embodiments, an electronic device button assembly configured tobe carried by an electronic device housing can include at least: 1) asensor array having first and second sensors that sense first and secondinputs; and 2) a cosmetic surface configured to cover at least theentire sensor array and portions of the electronic device housingproximate the sensor array. The first and second input sensors sense thefirst and second inputs through the cosmetic surface.

In some embodiments, a portable electronic device having a housing, aprocessor, and a display screen can also include at least: 1) a buttoncarried within an opening along one side of the housing, and 2) acosmetic surface having a first layer that covers portions of thehousing proximate the button and a second layer that covers the firstlayer and the entire button. The button can be coupled to the processorand be configured to accept multiple different types of input. Thesecond layer can have a varying thickness, and the cosmetic surface canprovide a seal to the interior of the housing.

In various embodiments, the button can be elongated and raised from thesurface of the housing. Different types of button inputs can includetouch and force inputs. The cosmetic surface can include a flexureregion to permit downward movement of the button, can be made of aplastic material, and can be formed by way of a two shot co-molding. Aseal to the housing interior can make the device waterproof, whichdevice can be a smart watch. Other embodiments include methods foraccepting inputs on electronic devices with multiple type input buttons.

This Summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some exampleembodiments so as to provide a basic understanding of some aspects ofthe subject matter described herein. Accordingly, it will be appreciatedthat the above-described features are merely examples and should not beconstrued to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter describedherein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of thesubject matter described will become apparent from the followingDetailed Description, Figures, and Claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only toprovide examples of possible structures and methods for the disclosedtouch and force sensitive rocker switches and similar multiple typeinput buttons. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form anddetail that may be made to the embodiments by one skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the embodiments. Theembodiments will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements.

FIG. 1A illustrates in top plan view an exemplary portable electronicdevice according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B illustrates in front perspective view the exemplary portableelectronic device of FIG. 1A according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates in front perspective view another exemplary portableelectronic device according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3A illustrates in side perspective view the button region of theexemplary portable electronic device of FIG. 2 according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B illustrates in side elevation and partially cutaway view thebutton region of the exemplary portable electronic device of FIG. 2according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates in side cross-sectional view an exemplary touch andforce sensitive rocker switch according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates in side cross-sectional view an exemplary alternativetouch and force sensitive input button according to various embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates in front perspective view still another exemplaryportable electronic device according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates in side cross-sectional view another exemplary touchand force sensitive rocker switch according to various embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates in side cross-sectional view an exemplary cosmeticsurface for a touch and force sensitive input button according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for acceptinginputs on an electronic device according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates in block diagram format an exemplary computingdevice that can be used to implement the various components andtechniques described herein according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Touch and force sensitive rocker switches and similar multiple typeinput buttons that can be used in conjunction with electronic devicescan provide for multiple different types of input in a simpler and moreaesthetically pleasing way. According to various embodiments, a portableelectronic device can have a housing, a processor, a display screen, arocker switch or other specialized input button located along one sideof the housing, and a cosmetic surface that covers at least the entirebutton and portions of housing proximate the button. The button can becoupled to the processor and be configured to accept multiple differenttypes of input. The cosmetic surface can transfer each of the multipletypes of input there through to the button and also provide a seal tothe housing interior.

In some embodiments, the multiple type input button can be elongated andraised from the surface of the housing. The different types of input forthe button can include touch inputs, such as by capacitance sensors, aswell as a force inputs, such as by dome loaded button switches. Thetouch inputs can include swipes or gestures, as well as simple touchesat multiple locations along the button. The cosmetic surface can includea flexure region that permits downward movement of the button. Thecosmetic surface can be made of a plastic material, and can be formed byway of a two shot co-molding. The seal to the housing interior canrender the device waterproof. The electronic device can be a smartwatch, among other possible devices.

The foregoing approaches provide various structures and methods for thedisclosed magnetically aligned accessory to device connections. A moredetailed discussion of these structures, methods, and features thereofis set forth below and described in conjunction with FIGS. 1-10, whichillustrate detailed diagrams of devices and components that can be usedto implement these structures, methods, and features.

Turning first to FIGS. 1A and 1B, an exemplary portable electronicdevice is illustrated in top plan and front perspective views. Portableelectronic device 100 can be a tablet computing device, for example,although other similar types and varieties of electronic devices canalso apply for the various disclosed components and features disclosedherein. For example, the various specialized types of input buttons andcosmetic surfaces disclosed herein could also be used with a smartphone, a media playback device, a personal digital assistant, a laptopcomputer, and a smart watch, among other possible electronic devices.Portable electronic device 100 can include an outer housing 102, whichcan be adapted to hold a processor and other electronic componentsinside, and can also provide space for an exterior touchscreen or otherdisplay 104, and one or more buttons, such as home button 106, amongother possible device components. One or more additional buttons (notshown) can be located along a side of portable electronic device,details of which are provided in greater detail below.

Continuing with FIG. 2, another exemplary portable electronic deviceaccording to various embodiments of the present disclosure isillustrated in front perspective view. Smart watch 200 can include anouter housing 202 having an interior, front, back, and one or moresides. Housing 202 can be adapted to hold a processor and otherelectronic components inside, and can also provide space for an exteriortouchscreen or other display 204. Button 210 can be a specializedmultiple input component that is located along a side of the outerhousing 202. Button 210 can be a touch and force sensitive rocker switchor other similar multiple input type button, for example. As shown,button 210 can be elongated and can be raised above the surface of thehousing 202. A cosmetic surface 220 can cover all of button 210 and atleast the portions of the housing 202 that are proximate the button.

In various embodiments, button 210 can suitably replace what wouldordinarily be multiple separate input components. For example, button210 can provide inputs suitable for scrolling a display and making aselection, such as what might be possible by way of a separate scrollwheel and push button. This can be accomplished by having multipledifferent types of input be possible on the same button 210. Suchmultiple different types of input can include touch inputs and alsodownward motion, force, or other button actuation inputs. Other types ofinputs may also be possible on the same button 210. In this manner, auser of the electronic device can provide different types of input atdifferent times or simultaneously on the same button 210. For example, auser may press downward on the button 210 at the same time as providinga swipe across the surface of the button. Accordingly, multipledifferent types of input sensors can be associated with button 210, asset forth in greater detail below.

In addition, the cosmetic surface 220 can cover the entire button 210and at least the portions of the housing 202 that are proximate to thebutton. In some embodiments, the cosmetic surface 220 can cover all ormost of the housing as well as the button 210. This results in noapparent gaps or breaks between the button 210 and the housing 202, suchas that which is typical for most push buttons on electronic devices.Such a uniformly covered button 210 and housing 202 can create a simplerand more aesthetically pleasing appearance to the overall button anddevice. In addition to providing no gaps or breaks between the buttonand the housing, cosmetic surface 220 can provide a seal for theinterior of the electronic device. In some embodiments, this seal canresult in the electronic device being waterproof or at least waterresistant, such that the device can be used and operate well underwater. Because the cosmetic surface 220 covers the entire button, thiscosmetic surface must be able to transfer all of the different types ofinput there through in order for the button to function properly, as setforth in greater detail below.

In various embodiments, components for button 210 can effectively beconsidered an electronic device button assembly, which can be configuredto be carried by an electronic device housing 202. The electronic devicebutton assembly can include a sensor array that includes all of thebutton sensors, as set forth in greater detail below, as well as thecosmetic surface 220. The button assembly can also include a supportbracket, as set forth below.

Turning next to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the button region of the exemplaryportable electronic device of FIG. 2 is shown in side perspective viewand side elevation and partially cutaway view respectively. Again,button 210 can be a touch and force sensitive rocker switch, which isconfigured to sense both touch input events and force input events atthe top 211 of cosmetic surface 220 covering the button. Touch eventscan be sensed at a touch sensor 212 located under the cosmetic surface220, which touch sensor can be a capacitance sensing panel, for example.Touch sensor 212 can be configured to detect both the location of atouch event, as well as movement across the surface, such as a swipe.Suitable outputs on the electronic device can then reflect the nature ofthe touch input event at the cosmetic surface 220, which transfers thetouch input there through from the outer surface at the top 211 of thecosmetic surface to the touch sensor 212.

Force events can be sensed at one or more force sensors 214 also locatedunder the cosmetic surface 220. Force sensors 214 can be tact switches,dome loaded buttons, a pixelated force sensing panel, or the like. Asshown, two force sensors 214 located at both ends of the elongatedbutton 210 can result in the button effectively being a rocker switch.Although two force sensors 214 or button type inputs are shown, it willbe readily appreciated that one, three, or more force sensors or buttontype inputs may be provided. Since button 210 can effectively sense andprocess both touch and force inputs at its outer surface, the button isa touch and force sensitive rocker switch. An internal bracket structure230 can provide rigidity and support for the various button components,as noted below.

FIG. 4 illustrates in side cross-sectional view an exemplary touch andforce sensitive rocker switch according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Touch and force sensitive rocker switch 410 can bethe same as or substantially similar to the examples shown for button210 above. As in the above examples, touch and force sensitive rockerswitch 410 can include a touch sensor 412, which can be a capacitancesensing panel, and two force sensors 414, which can be tact switches,for example. An electrical connector 416 can couple the sensors to aprocessor or other internal components. The touch sensor 412, forcesensors 414, and electrical connector 416 can be located beneathcosmetic surface 420, which can form an overall button assembly with therest of the button components. Again, cosmetic surface 420 can beconfigured to transfer the various types of input there through from anouter surface of the button to the various sensors located under thecosmetic surface. An internal bracket structure 430 can be located at anopening in the device housing (not shown) and can be at or about thesame level as the device housing. This internal bracket structure canfunction to provide rigidity and support for the various buttoncomponents, due to the opening in the housing where the button or touchand force sensitive rocker switch 410 is located.

Again, components for touch and force sensitive rocker switch 410 caneffectively be considered an electronic device button assembly, whichcan be configured to be carried by an electronic device housing (notshown). The electronic device button assembly can include a sensor arraythat includes all of the button sensors 412, 414, as well as thecosmetic surface 420. The internal bracket structure 430 supports thesensor array and can also be considered a part of the electronic devicebutton assembly. Cosmetic surface 420 can have multiple layers, and canhave a varying thickness at different locations, as set forth in greaterdetail below.

Again, touch and force sensitive rocker switch 410 can suitably replacewhat would ordinarily be multiple separate input components. In theevent of a smart watch, for example, touch and force sensitive rockerswitch 410 can effectively replace and provide the functionality of botha scroll wheel and multiple button actuation rocker switches. The touchsensor 412 can be used to sense various kinds of touch events at theouter surface of cosmetic surface 420, and the resulting device outputscan include that which correspond to a scroll wheel. For example, anupward touch swipe at cosmetic surface 420 can result in an upwardscrolling of the display on an associated device display. As anotherexample, the force sensors 414 can be tact switches, the use of whichcan result in outputs such as a menu selection or raising or lower soundoutput.

Having the swipe or touch input located at a button surface on the sideof the device also has the added benefit of allowing for device displayinputs that do not require the user to touch the display itself. In mosttouchscreen uses, requiring the user to touch the display in order toeffect an input to the device results in an inconvenient obscuring of atleast a portion of the display during the touch event. This disadvantagecan be particularly problematic in the event of a relatively smalldisplay screen, such as in the case of a smart watch. Accordingly, thetouch and force sensitive rocker switch 410 (or other suitable button210) can have a touch sensor 412 that effectively allows for touchscreeninputs without obscuring the display screen in order to effect theinputs. That is, a simple touch, swipe, gesture, or other touch input ata relative location on the outside of the button can result in an outputat a corresponding location on the associated device display. Forexample, a touch at the lower left of the button can result in an outputthat is a touchscreen type change as if the lower left of thetouchscreen or display had been touched directly.

For a different type of force input sensor, FIG. 5 shows in sidecross-sectional view an exemplary alternative touch and force sensitiveinput button. Button 510 can be touch and force sensitive, similar tothe foregoing examples. Button 510 can similarly include a touch sensor512, an electrical connector 516, a cosmetic surface 520, and aninternal bracket structure 530, among other button components. However,rather than having tact switches, dome loaded buttons, or other similarforce feedback button components, button 510 can have a pixelated forcesensing panel 515 configured to detect force at all or various locationson the button. As will be readily appreciated, a suitable pixelatedforce sensing panel 515 can be configured to detect the amount of forceat each pixel on the panel, such that the location and amount of forceprovided at the surface of the button 510 can be determined. A suitabledevice output can then correspond to the amount of force provided, aswell as the location of the force on the button 510. In variousembodiments, the device output can be different for a light force inputas compared to a strong force input. For example, the rate of scrollingon an associated display can be faster for stronger force inputs. Morethan two different levels of output can be provided depending upon theamount of force detected as well, and such levels can resemble analogoutputs in some cases.

In various embodiments, an electronic device using button 510 can alsoprovide for a haptic feedback to the user when a force input is sensed.This can be accomplished by way of a haptic engine or other suitablehaptic output component on the device. Such a haptic feedback can bedesirable where there is no analog force feedback due to the forcesensing panel, unlike the natural analog force feedback that a usertypically feels for a dome loaded button.

Continuing with FIG. 6, still another exemplary portable electronicdevice according to various embodiments of the present disclosure issimilarly illustrated in front perspective view. Smart watch 600 can besubstantially similar to smart watch 200 above, with various exceptionsin the button 610. Smart watch 600 can similarly include an outerhousing 602 having an interior, front, back, and one or more sides,which housing can be adapted to hold a processor and other electroniccomponents inside. Housing 602 can also provide space for an exteriortouchscreen or other display 604, and may also have openings 606 for aseparate watch band or strap (not shown). Button 610 can be analternative specialized multiple input component that is located along aside of housing 602. Button 610 can similarly be a touch and forcesensitive rocker switch or other similar multiple input type button, andcan be elongated and raised above the surface of the housing 602. Acosmetic surface 620 can similarly cover all of button 610 and at leastthe portions of the housing 602 that are proximate the button 610.

Button 610 similarly can suitably replace what would ordinarily bemultiple separate input components, such as a separate scroll wheel andpush button. Cosmetic surface 620 can be identical or substantiallysimilar to cosmetic surface 220 above, and as such can cover the entirebutton 610 and at least the portions of the housing 602 that areproximate to the button, can result in no apparent gaps or breaksbetween the button and the housing, and can provide a seal for theinterior of the electronic device, which seal can result in the devicebeing waterproof or water resistant. Again, cosmetic surface 620effectively transfers all of the different types of input there throughin order for the button to function properly, as set forth in greaterdetail below.

Unlike button 210 above, however, button 610 here can be shapeddifferently, and can also provide for additional locations for forceinputs. For example, button 610 can have a detent 611 or lowered profileat the center of the button. This can allow for a user to sense moreeasily the various locations on the button by feel, such that a suitableinput can be provided at the desired location on the button. Anadditional location for force inputs can include a third tact switch ordome loaded button at the center detent 611 of button 610, for example.In some embodiments, this can allow for force inputs and buttondepression at the top, center, and bottom of the button 610.Corresponding device outputs can be, for example, volume up (at the topof the button 610), menu selection, and volume down (at the bottom ofthe button 610). Of course, other types of device outputs can also bepossible, and different types of outputs can take place for each forceinput sensor location depending upon the device mode.

FIG. 7 illustrates in side cross-sectional view another exemplary touchand force sensitive rocker switch according to various embodiments ofthe present disclosure. Touch and force sensitive rocker switch 710 canbe similar to touch and force sensitive rocker switch 210 above, withseveral notable differences. Similarly, touch and force sensitive rockerswitch 710 can include a touch sensor 712, which can be a capacitancesensing panel, and multiple force sensors 714, which can be tactswitches, for example, and an electrical connector 716. The touch sensor712, force sensors 714, and electrical connector 716 can be locatedbeneath cosmetic surface 720, which can form an overall button assemblywith the rest of the button components. Again, cosmetic surface 720 canbe configured to transfer the various types of input there through froman outer surface of the button to the various sensors located under thecosmetic surface. An internal bracket structure 730 can be located at anopening in the device housing, and can function to provide rigidity andsupport for the various button components.

Touch and force sensitive rocker switch 710, which can correspond tobutton 610 on smart watch 600 above, can have an additional force sensor714, which can be located at the center of the elongated button. As inthe case of button 610, this additional force sensor 714 located at thecenter can provide for an additional depressive button input at a centerlocation. Although examples having two and three tact switches or domeloaded buttons have been shown, it will be readily appreciated that one,three, or more similar force sensors can be used for a given buttonarrangement. In addition to the three force sensors 714 in the form oftact switches, touch and force sensitive rocker switch 710 can alsoinclude a pixelated force sensing panel 715, which can allow for furtherdetection of force locations and varying force levels all along theelongated button. In various embodiments, the force sensors 714 can beused for discrete force inputs and selections, while pixelated forcesensing panel 715 can be used for refined force inputs that can varybased on the amount and location of the force, and that can be fordifferent types of output functions. For example, force sensors 714 canbe used for outputs of volume up, menu selection, and volume down, whilepixelated force sensing panel can be used to determine display screenscroll direction, scroll speed, or both.

Moving next to FIG. 8, an exemplary cosmetic surface for a touch andforce sensitive input button according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure is illustrated in side cross-sectional view.Electronic device button assembly 800 can include various components,such as a force sensor 814, an internal bracket structure 830, and aportion of device housing 802 that forms the edge of an opening in thehousing for the button assembly. Other button assembly components arenot shown here for purposes of simplicity and focus, and such othercomponents are shown and discussed in detail above. In particular,cosmetic surface 820 covers all portions of the button, as well as atleast those portions of the housing 802 proximate the button. In someembodiments, cosmetic surface 820 can cover the entire housing 802 aswell. By covering the entire button and housing with no gaps or openingstherein, cosmetic surface 820 provides a seal for the interior of theassociated electronic device, which can make the device waterproof or atleast water resistant.

Cosmetic surface 820 also functions to transmit touch and force inputsthere through to the various input sensors that are under the cosmeticsurface. As such, cosmetic surface 820 can be formed from a suitablematerial and can be suitably dimensioned to be able to transmit touchand force inputs through the cosmetic surface material. Accordingly,cosmetic surface 820 can be electrically non-conducting, can transmitcapacitance there through for touch inputs, and can be sufficientlymovable to transmit force inputs there through. In various embodiments,cosmetic surface 820 can be formed from various plastics and flexiblepolymers, such as silicone and thermoplastic polyurethane, for example,and can be sufficiently thin enough to provide the desiredfunctionalities. In some embodiments, cosmetic surface 820 can beflexible enough to allow for local deformation of the surface itself. Asufficiently soft and thin flexible polymer can be suitable for suchuse. In other embodiments, cosmetic surface 820 can be more rigid, andthe entire surface can tilt or bend together relative to the location ofa given force input. Any of the foregoing exemplary embodiments canutilize either type of a locally flexible or more rigid cosmetic surface820, as may be desired.

As a particular non-limiting example, for purposes of illustration,cosmetic surface 820 can be formed in two different layers, such as byway of a two shot co-molding process. As such, cosmetic surface 820 canhave a first layer 821 and a second layer 822. The first layer 821 canbe set first atop the housing 802 of the electronic device, and thesecond layer 822 can be a cosmetic overmold layer formed atop the firstlayer. In various embodiments, the first layer 821 may cover onlyportions of the housing 802 and form a foundation for the second layer822, while the second layer 822 covers all of the button and most or allof the first layer as well.

Cosmetic surface 820 can also include a number of regions, such as abase region 823 over the device housing 802, a flexure region 824adjacent to the base region, and a button region 825 over the devicebutton and adjacent to the flexure region. Various dimensions for eachof these regions 823, 824, 825 can be affected by functional desires, aswell as other dimensions present in the button assembly. Such otherdimensions can include the offset 826, which is the distance that thebutton is raised above the surface of the housing 802, as well as thegap 827, which is the distance between the button assembly and thesidewalls of the housing at an opening formed therein for the buttonassembly.

In various embodiments, it is desirable to allow for some downwardmovement of the button when a force input is applied thereto. As such,the cosmetic surface 820 should be flexible enough to allow for suchmovement. In particular, the flexure region 824 between the base region823 and the button region 825 should be flexible enough to allow for thebutton to move, while still providing an overall cover and seal for theelectronic device. In some arrangements, the thickness of flexure region824 can be thinner or less than the thickness of either of the baseregion 823 or the button region 825. In fact, the thickness of flexureregion 824 can be tuned or optimized according to the dimensions of theoffset 826 and the gap 827. If this thickness is too large, then buttonmovement will be inhibited by too much material in the flexure region824 and not enough ability to compress. If this thickness is too small,then overall failure of the cosmetic surface 820 at the flexure region824 can be problematic, particularly due to overall fatigue from deviceusage. In various embodiments, it may also be desirable for buttonregion 825 to be relatively thick, so as to better withstand long termuse and wear. For example, the thickness of button region 825 can belarger than the thickness of flexure region 824. In some embodiments,the offset 826 (which can also be called the “button height” or“proudness”) can be about 1.5 to 2.2 mm. In such embodiments, thethickness of the flexure region 824 (which can also be called a “web”)can be about 0.5 mm. In addition, the elastomer shore of the webmaterial can be about 86 A while the switch CR can be about 50% in suchembodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for acceptinginputs on an electronic device according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Method 900 can include process steps that can beperformed entirely by a suitable electronic device. At a first processstep 902, a touch event at a cosmetic surface covering a button can betransferred through the cosmetic surface. This can be, for example, auser touching, swiping, gesturing, or otherwise providing a touch inputat the button. The touch event is then transferred through the cosmeticsurface to a touch sensor, such as a capacitance sensor. At the nextprocess step 904, the touch input can then be sensed by the touch sensorunder the cosmetic surface. At the following process step 906 anappropriate output responsive to the touch input can then be provided onthe electronic device. This can be a change on the display of theelectronic device, for example, such as the type of change that mighttake place where a user were to directly touch a touchscreen of adevice. As one example, a swipe along the button can result in ascrolling result on the display of the device. It can be particularlyconvenient for a user to be able to touch, swipe, or otherwise gestureon a button located along the side of the electronic device in order toeffect a display change rather than need to touch the display itselfdirectly, since such a side button touch then does not obscure thedisplay while the user makes the input.

At a process step 908, a force event at the cosmetic surface covering abutton can be transferred through the cosmetic surface. This can be, forexample, a user pushing downward or otherwise actuating a force input atthe button. This force event is then transferred through the cosmeticsurface to a force sensor, such as a dome loaded button or a pixelatedforce panel. At the next process step 910, the force input can then besensed by the force sensor under the cosmetic surface. At the followingprocess step 912 an appropriate output responsive to the force input canthen be provided on the electronic device. This can be a menu selection,a sound, a change on the display of the electronic device, or any othersuitable push button output.

For the foregoing flowchart, it will be readily appreciated that notevery step provided is always necessary, and that further steps not setforth herein may also be included. For example, added steps that involveflexing downward or providing force feedback may be added. Also, stepsthat provide detail with respect to the formation of the button or howdifferent types of input are processed can be added as well.Furthermore, the exact order of steps may be altered as desired, andsome steps may be performed simultaneously. For example, steps 902 and908 may be performed together or in reverse order. Simultaneousperformance of all steps may also be possible in some instances.

FIG. 10 illustrates in block diagram format an exemplary computingdevice 1000 that can be used to implement the various components andtechniques described herein, according to some embodiments. Inparticular, the detailed view illustrates various components that can beincluded in any of the portable electronic devices 100, 200, and 600illustrated in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2 and 6. Again, other types of electronicdevices can be used, and it will be understood that only tablet andsmart watch devices have been shown and discussed for purposes ofsimplicity. Such components can include a touch and force sensitiverocker switch or similar input device, as well as a processor thatfacilitates input from the button and appropriate output, such as by wayof that which is set forth in the foregoing examples.

As shown in FIG. 10, the computing device 1000 can include a processor1002 that represents a microprocessor or controller for controlling theoverall operation of computing device 1000. The computing device 1000can also include a user input device 1008 that allows a user of thecomputing device 1000 to interact with the computing device 1000. Forexample, the user input device 1008 can take a variety of forms, such asa button, keypad, dial, touch screen, audio input interface,visual/image capture input interface, input in the form of other sensordata, and the like. In some embodiments, input device 1008 can take theform of a touch and force sensitive rocker switch, button, or othersimilar device. Still further, the computing device 1000 can include adisplay 1010 (screen display) that can be controlled by the processor1002 to display information to the user. A data bus 1016 can facilitatedata transfer between at least a storage device 1040, the processor1002, and a controller 1013. The controller 1013 can be used tointerface with and control different equipment through and equipmentcontrol bus 1014. The computing device 1000 can also include anetwork/bus interface 1011 that couples to a data link 1012. In the caseof a wireless connection, the network/bus interface 1011 can include awireless transceiver.

The computing device 1000 can also include a storage device 1040, whichcan comprise a single disk or a plurality of disks (e.g., hard drives),and includes a storage management module that manages one or morepartitions within the storage device 1040. In some embodiments, storagedevice 1040 can include flash memory, semiconductor (solid state) memoryor the like. The computing device 1000 can also include a Random AccessMemory (RAM) 1020 and a Read-Only Memory (ROM) 1022. The ROM 1022 canstore programs, utilities or processes to be executed in a non-volatilemanner. The RAM 1020 can provide volatile data storage, and storesinstructions related to the operation of the computing device 1000.

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of thedescribed embodiments can be used separately or in any combination.Various aspects of the described embodiments can be implemented bysoftware, hardware or a combination of hardware and software. Thedescribed embodiments can also be embodied as computer readable code ona computer readable medium. The computer readable medium is any datastorage device that can store data which can thereafter be read by acomputer system. Examples of the computer readable medium includeread-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs, DVDs, magnetic tape,hard disk drives, solid state drives, and optical data storage devices.The computer readable medium can also be distributed overnetwork-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code isstored and executed in a distributed fashion.

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, uses specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the describedembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe specific details are not required in order to practice the describedembodiments. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodimentsare presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are notintended to be exhaustive or to limit the described embodiments to theprecise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill inthe art that many modifications and variations are possible in view ofthe above teachings.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic device button assembly configuredto be carried by an electronic device housing, the electronic devicebutton assembly comprising: a sensor array having: a first input sensorconfigured to sense a first input, and a second input sensor configuredto sense a second input, the second input being of a different type thanthe first input; and a surface configured to cover at least the sensorarray, wherein the first input sensor and the second input sensor sensethe first input and the second input respectively through the surface,wherein the surface includes: a base region configured to cover theelectronic device housing, a button region configured to cover thesensor array, and a flexure region between the base region and thebutton region wherein the flexure region facilitates a downward movementof the button region, wherein a thickness of the flexure region is lessthan a thickness of the base region and a thickness of the buttonregion.
 2. The electronic device button assembly of claim 1, wherein theflexure region is formed from a flexible material.
 3. The electronicdevice button assembly of claim 1, wherein the first input sensor is acapacitance sensor and the second input sensor is a tact switch.
 4. Theelectronic device button assembly of claim 1, wherein the surfaceconfigured to cover at least the sensor array.
 5. A portable electronicdevice, comprising: a housing that defines an interior volume, thehousing comprising a sidewall that includes a through hole; a buttonaligned with the through hole, the button comprising a surface; acapacitive sensor positioned in the interior volume and at leastpartially covered by the button; and a force sensor positioned in theinterior volume and at least partially covered by the button, whereinthe button is configured to accept i) a touch input to the surface thatis detected by the capacitive sensor, and ii) a force touch input thatis determined by the force sensor.
 6. The portable electronic device ofclaim 5, wherein the button is raised from the surface of the housing.7. The portable electronic device of claim 6, wherein the surfaceincludes a flexure region between the button and the housing, theflexure region having a thickness of about 0.5 mm and an elastomer Shoreof about 86A, and wherein a button height of the button is about 1.5 to2.2 mm from the surface of the housing.
 8. The portable electronicdevice of claim 5, wherein touch input and the force touch input aretransmitted through the surface.
 9. The portable electronic device ofclaim 5, wherein the surface is formed from a flexible polymer material.10. The portable electronic device of claim 9, wherein the surfacecomprises a first layer and a second layer molded with the first layer.11. The portable electronic device of claim 5, wherein the touch inputcomprises a first user input, and wherein the force touch inputcomprises a second user input different from the first user input. 12.The portable electronic device of claim 11, wherein the touch inputinclude swipes and gestures.
 13. The portable electronic device of claim11, further comprising a display screen that is separate from thebutton.
 14. The portable electronic device of claim 5, wherein thesurface comprises a seal that renders the through hole water resistant.15. The portable electronic device of claim 5, wherein the buttoncomprises a rocker switch.
 16. A method for controlling an electronicdevice having a button, the method comprising: by the electronic device:determining, using a touch input sensor, a touch input at the button;providing a first output in response to the touch input; determining,using a force sensor, an amount of force applied to the button thatdefines a force input; and providing a second output in response to theforce input, the second output different from the first output.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the first output results in a touchscreentype change on a display of the electronic device without requiring thedisplay to be touched.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the touchinput comprises a first user input, and wherein the force touch inputcomprises a second user input different from the first user input.